A SOLDIER from a North West Regiment was shot dead during a firefight in southern Afghanistan.

The soldier, from 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, was killed as a result of small arms fire in the Musa Qala area on Sunday night.

His next of kin have been informed.

Rifleman Mark Marshall 29, of 6 Rifles, a Police Community Support Officer from Exeter also died on Sunday in Sangin, Helmand Province.

And last night the MoD announced a third soldier, from 36 Engineer Regiment, was killed while dealing with a roadside bomb in Helmand Province. A total of 261 British service personnel have now died.

None of the three fatalities are related to Operation Moshtarak.

Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: “It is my sad duty to have to inform you that a soldier from 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, was killed by small arms fire near Patrol Base Minden in the Musa Qala district of Helmand province.

“He was on a patrol after dark and was shot during a firefight.

“He died a soldier, doing his duty and among his fellow soldiers; his sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

The mum of Rifleman Mark Marshall described him as a “beloved son” who “lived life to the full”.

Mrs Marshall said: “I am hugely proud of my dear and beloved son; he lived life to the full and will be sorely missed by all.”

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said last night that troops fighting in Afghanistan are doing everything they can to minimise civilian casualties.

Gordon Brown was speaking after 12 local Afghans were killed in a Nato rocket strike.

The battle to win hearts and minds will have been badly damaged by the strike which saw two stray US rockets miss their target by 300 metres and hit a house.

Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup said the incident was a “very serious setback” to Operation Moshtarak in which thousands of coalition troops are working alongside Afghan forces to capture Taliban strongholds in areas around Marjah and Nad-e-Ali.

The Prime Minister said: “I have spoken to President Karzai and I wanted him to know that we are doing everything in our power to minimise civilian casualties.